The 20 Most Expensive Premier League Transfers of All Time (Adjusted for Inflation) – Ranked

August 5, 2025 Oliver Obel

As football transfer fees continue to rise, it's easy to assume that today’s multi-million pound moves top the charts. But when you factor in inflation, some of the most shocking and costly signings in Premier League history come from decades past. Here’s a countdown from #20 to #1 of the priciest Premier League transfers ever—adjusted for today’s money.

20 – Moises Caicedo to Chelsea (2023) – £124m

Signed for £115 million in 2023, Moises Caicedo’s inflated fee now stands at £124 million. The Ecuadorian midfielder became the poster boy for Brighton’s successful sell-high strategy and moved to Chelsea with enormous expectations.

19 – Didier Drogba to Chelsea (2004) – £126m

Chelsea paid £24 million for Didier Drogba in 2004, a fee that now equates to £126 million. One of the greatest players in the club’s history, Drogba scored over 100 Premier League goals and was central to Chelsea’s success.

18 – Andrey Kanchelskis to Everton (1995) – £126m

Everton acquired Kanchelskis from Manchester United for just £5 million in 1995, a sum that would now be worth £126 million. The Russian winger was a key player during United’s early dominance before making the surprise switch.

17 – Nick Barmby to Middlesbrough (1995) – £126m

Nick Barmby’s 1995 move from Tottenham to Middlesbrough for £5.25 million now ranks among the most expensive at £126 million. Though his time at Boro was brief, he remained a prominent England international for years.

16 – Angel Di Maria to Manchester United (2014) – £126m

Di Maria’s £59.7 million move from Real Madrid now translates to £126 million. Though brilliant at times, his United spell was disrupted by poor management fit and personal issues off the pitch.

15 – Jack Grealish to Manchester City (2021) – £127m

Manchester City triggered Grealish’s £100 million release clause in 2021, which inflates to £127 million today. While he won titles with City, his performances haven’t consistently lived up to the fee.

14 – Faustino Asprilla to Newcastle (1996) – £127m

Asprilla joined Newcastle in 1996 for £6.7 million—a move now worth £127 million. The charismatic Colombian made a flair-filled impact during the Magpies’ title-challenging campaign under Kevin Keegan.

13 – Romelu Lukaku to Manchester United (2017) – £129m

Lukaku’s £75 million switch from Everton now equates to £129 million. Though he scored goals, he never truly settled at Old Trafford and later rebuilt his career in Italy.

12 – Dwight Yorke to Manchester United (1998) – £139m

Manchester United spent £12.6 million on Yorke in 1998, now valued at £139 million. He formed a legendary partnership with Andy Cole and helped fire United to a historic treble.

11 – Wayne Rooney to Manchester United (2004) – £141m

United signed Rooney for £25.6 million in 2004, equivalent to £141 million today. Just 18 at the time, Rooney became the club’s all-time top scorer and a Premier League legend.

10 – Andriy Shevchenko to Chelsea (2006) – £142m

Shevchenko’s £30.8 million transfer from AC Milan equals £142 million with inflation. Despite his world-class reputation, he struggled at Chelsea and never hit his previous heights.

9 – Paul Pogba to Manchester United (2016) – £145m

United paid a world-record £93.3 million to re-sign Pogba in 2016, now adjusted to £145 million. Though gifted, he was ultimately a frustrating enigma during his six-year second stint.

8 – Fernando Torres to Chelsea (2011) – £154m

Chelsea paid £50 million to sign Torres from Liverpool, now worth £154 million. While he struggled in front of goal, Torres still collected silverware at Stamford Bridge.

7 – Andy Cole to Manchester United (1995) – £159m

United’s £7 million swoop for Cole in 1995 would now be worth £159 million. The prolific striker silenced critics and became one of the league’s most reliable goal scorers.

6 – Les Ferdinand to Newcastle United (1995) – £159m

Ferdinand’s £6 million move from QPR now equates to £159 million. His impact at Newcastle was immediate, forming deadly partnerships and nearly delivering the title.

5 – Rio Ferdinand to Manchester United (2002) – £165m

The £30 million transfer of Rio Ferdinand from Leeds in 2002 now adjusts to £165 million. A composed and dominant defender, he became a cornerstone of United’s success.

4 – Stan Collymore to Liverpool (1995) – £169m

Liverpool’s £8.5 million deal for Collymore now stands at £169 million. Highly rated at the time, Collymore showed flashes of brilliance but never reached elite consistency.

3 – Juan Sebastian Veron to Manchester United (2001) – £175m

Veron cost United £28.1 million in 2001—now £175 million adjusted. Though remembered as a flop, he showcased flashes of class and may have thrived in today’s more technical game.

2 – Dennis Bergkamp to Arsenal (1995) – £189m

Arsenal paid £7.5 million for Bergkamp in 1995, a fee worth £189 million today. The Dutch maestro revolutionized Arsenal’s attack and is still revered as one of the game’s most elegant players.

1 – Alan Shearer to Newcastle United (1996) – £225m

The original £15 million fee for Shearer in 1996 inflates to a jaw-dropping £225 million. The Premier League’s all-time top scorer, Shearer was worth every penny to his boyhood club.